We’ve seen our share of amazing BASE jumps. But motocross rider Brad O’Neal takes the concept of BASE jumping to a completely different level—or rather, a flat level. While most moto BASE jumpers attempt riding off a cliff, he attempted to take off from flat ground, riding first up a giant ramp that would propel him into the air. This had been an attempt several years in the making:
O’Neal dreamed about making this jump when he was about 12 or 13 years old:
“I just thought, it would be super fun to jump a dirt bike high enough to BASE jump from.”
Major action sports companies turned down his proposal, thinking it was a bit too extreme.
“I went to all the major action sports companies, but it’s really hard to get them to believe in it. I realized that I’m just gonna have to do it myself. So I learned everything I could to make it happen.”
Careful preparations and several hair raising trial runs later, O’Neal was finally ready to realize his childhood dream.
“When I did the practice jump in Utah and right after I opened the parachute…it was one of the best moments of my life for sure.”
The jump was an exhilarating success, vindicating O’Neal and his self-belief. Shot entirely on a GoPro Hero, the footage showcases some stunning imagery and plenty of courage from a truly daring first in the BASE jump world.
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